Cancer awareness

Kevin Noll will speak at the West End Rotary Club meeting at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 at the Western Pocono Community Library, Brodheadsville. His topic will be Aflac Cancer Awareness.School boardThe Pleasant Valley School District Board of Education will meet at 8 p.m. Oct. 27 at the district offices in Brodheadsville.Church funOur Lady Queen of Peace, Gilbert, will hold its 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat event from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 30. There will also be activities in the hall for the children. Candy donations are being accepted in the church office.Halloween funTrick or Treat at Chestnuthill Park will be held from 5-7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31.Local groups such as the Western Pocono Women's Club, WEPOSC, Western Pocono Lioness Club, Little Dreamers, Soundscape and more, will be handing out treats. The invitation is extended for other service groups to join the fun.Volunteers are needed. Contact Bernie Kozen, West End Park & Open Space Commission, at (570) 992-9733.All Saints MassesOur Lady Queen of Peace will hold Mass for All Saints' Day at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31, and at 8 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1.All Souls' Day, Nov. 2, Mass will be said at 8 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and at 7 p.m.Fresh proteinThe Garden of Giving will begin egg distribution to Monroe County food banks effective Nov. 1. The chickens have been secured through the cooperation of Penn State Extension in Monroe County.The chicken coop and fencing to allow free ranging of the flock is an Eagle Scout project, done by a member of Troop 98, and is near completion. Nesting boxes have been donated by the Women's Auxiliary FOE 1106; waterers, heaters and feeders are on order.The Garden is glad to have reached this expansion goal, and is now able to supply fresh eggs, in addition to fresh vegetables, to food banks in Monroe County.While the garden is closed for the winter, staff and volunteers are working at improving administrative objectives and planning.For more information or volunteer opportunities, call (570) 402-1282 or by email

gardenofgiving@gmail.com or visit thegardenofgiving.org.Drug Take BackThe Drug Enforcement Agency is again staging a Drug Take Back Initiative on Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., by partnering with local agencies. This is a good time for residents to go through the medicine cabinet and get rid of old or unwanted prescription and nonprescription medications. This initiative is for residents safety in the event of accidental overdosing of unused medications. Additionally, it keeps these medications out of water systems and landfills. Among the cooperating agencies where drugs may be taken are the West End Fire Company substation in Effort and Monroe County Sheriff's Office at the Monroe County Courthouse.Coaches meetWest End Soccer coaches are slated to meet from 7-8 p.m., Nov. 2, in the PVI multipurpose room. The election of board members is scheduled.For more information call (570) 620-0267.TV starsBoy Scout Troop 98 was on TV recently while visiting an area television station to learn more about how weather news is gathered and disseminated.Thanksgiving FeastEffort United Methodist Church will host its Sixth Annual Community Thanksgiving Feast. Anyone who may be alone this Thanksgiving is invited to come as are those who may not be able to provide a full feast for loved ones.Fellowship hour with light hors d'oeuvres will be served at 2 p.m., followed by opening prayer, traditional Thanksgiving feast, dessert and closing devotions.There will be a kids' corner set up with games and activities as well as a television to watch the parade or the game of the day.Seating is available for 100 people by reservation only. Call the church at (570) 629-1890 for reservations.Fall Festival at PVPPleasant Valley Presbyterian, Brodheadsville, is holding a Trunk or Treat as part of its Fall Festival Sunday, Oct. 30. It will begin with soup at noon.During the following hour, Trunk or Treat begins. There will be games and prizes, crafts, refreshments as well. All are welcome.